P090A code meaning
Clutch B Actuator Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P090A means
Watches the drive circuit of the actuator for clutch B, the second clutch of a dual-clutch transmission, and sets when the module finds an open circuit. Ford uses it on the DPS6 PowerShift of the Fiesta and Focus: the clutch B electric motor is tested for driver faults (P087A), hall sensor faults (P087B), sequence errors (P087E), an open circuit (P090A), a short to ground (P090C) and a short to power (P090D). Trade guidance for the DPS6 is to swap the two identical clutch motors; if the code moves to the clutch A equivalent P0900, the motor is defective, otherwise the harness or TCM is. CARB requires circuit monitoring of such outputs. Shifting becomes erratic and the gearbox may refuse to drive.
P090A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P090A
- Check engine light on
- Even gears or reverse missing, erratic shifts
- Limp mode or no drive
Common causes of P090A
- Most likelyFailed clutch B actuator motor
- PossibleLoose connector or broken wire to the clutch B motor
- Less likelyFaulty motor driver inside the TCM
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Clutch b actuatorWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P090A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 9 | Area: transmission. |
| 0A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P090A and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P090A
What does P090A mean?
P090A means "Clutch B Actuator Control Circuit/Open". Watches the drive circuit of the actuator for clutch B, the second clutch of a dual-clutch transmission, and sets when the module finds an open circuit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P090A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P090A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P090A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P090A is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P090A to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P090A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.